Private Deluxe Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri Battleship Tour

Discover an Intimate Private Tour of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s Historic Landmarks

This private deluxe tour offers an exclusive way to visit Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the USS Missouri Battleship in a single day. Priced at $895 per group (up to 3 people), the tour lasts approximately 7 hours and includes private transportation from Waikiki hotels. Unlike large group buses, this experience features a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan driven by a professional chauffeur who speaks fluent English, providing a more relaxed and personalized journey.

The tour is tailored for visitors who prefer a more intimate, flexible, and informative experience. It is especially suitable for those who want to avoid crowded buses and enjoy a more exclusive, in-depth look at Hawaii’s historic naval sites. While the tour covers many key landmarks and provides a rundown of Pearl Harbor’s history, it is important to note that lunch is not included, so planning accordingly is recommended.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with a maximum of 3 guests per group
• Includes tickets for both the Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri Battleship
• Duration of about 7 hours, with a private transfer from and back to Waikiki hotels
• Focus on Pearl Harbor, Honolulu landmarks, and historic sites like Iolani Palace and King Kamehameha Statue
• No large crowds or shared transportation, enhancing comfort and flexibility
• Cancellation policy offers full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance

Customizable Private Transportation from Waikiki Hotels

This tour begins with a private pick-up from your Waikiki-area hotel, making the start of your day smooth and hassle-free. The chauffeur-driven minivan provides a more personal touch compared to standard group buses, and the air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort on Hawaii’s warm days.

The round-trip transfer is included, ending back at the same pickup point, which helps maximize your sightseeing time. This setup is ideal for those looking for a convenient and stress-free way to explore Oahu’s historic sites without the need to navigate or wait for larger groups.

In-Depth Visit to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial

At Pearl Harbor, the tour includes tickets to the Arizona Memorial, which is a must-see for history enthusiasts. The visit begins at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where you receive an orientation and tickets from your chauffeur.

You’ll spend about 2 hours and 30 minutes exploring two museums — Road to War and Attack — with a viewing of original footage of the December 7, 1941, attack. Then, a U.S. Navy shuttle boat takes you to the Arizona Memorial itself, where you can reflect on the lives lost during the surprise attack. This part of the tour offers an insightful overview of this pivotal moment in history.

Visiting the Mighty USS Missouri Battleship

Following the memorial, the tour includes admission tickets to the USS Missouri Battleship, famed for hosting the Japanese surrender in WWII. A 30-minute guided tour provided by a professional guide walks you through the historic battleship, highlighting key features and stories associated with this impressive vessel.

Plus, you can visit the USS Oklahoma Memorial, paying tribute to those who served. The total time at this stop is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, allowing enough time to explore the ship and its history comfortably.

Exploring Honolulu’s Historic Landmarks and City Views

After the naval history, the tour takes a short drive through Honolulu, lasting about 1 hour and 25 minutes. You’ll see important sites such as Iolani Palace, the Hawaii State Capitol, Washington Place, King Kamehameha Statue, and the Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery.

Each stop offers a brief but meaningful glimpse into Hawaii’s royal, political, and military history. For example, Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on U.S. soil, and Washington Place was home to Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last monarch. The State Capitol features a symbolic Bauhaus design, with pillars representing the Hawaiian Islands.

Visiting Key Honolulu Cultural and Memorial Sites

The Punchbowl Cemetery is a poignant spot, built within an extinct volcano crater, serving as a resting place for American soldiers from multiple wars. The Lady Columbia statue and Kamehameha Statue are iconic symbols of Hawaii’s history, the latter commemorating the man who united the Hawaiian Islands.

These landmarks are included in the tour at no additional cost, providing a well-rounded understanding of Hawaii’s cultural heritage. The stops are brief, around 5 minutes each, but give a meaningful overview of each site’s significance.

Iolani Palace and Hawaii State Capitol: Symbols of Sovereignty

The Iolani Palace, built in 1879, once served as the royal residence and later as the Capitol Building for the Republic, Territory, and State of Hawaii. Restored to its former grandeur, it now functions as a museum accessible during the tour.

Nearby, the Hawaii State Capitol showcases a Bauhaus-inspired design with symbolic pillars representing each Hawaiian Island. The reflection pool symbolizes the surrounding ocean, and a statue of Saint Damien is housed inside. Both sites are quick stops but add depth to the understanding of Hawaii’s political evolution.

The Significance of King Kamehameha’s Statue

The golden statue of King Kamehameha the Great stands in front of Aliiolani Hale. Kamehameha is credited with unifying the Hawaiian Islands and founding the Kingdom of Hawaii. The statue’s brief stop allows visitors to appreciate the founder of Hawaii’s monarchy and his enduring legacy.

Flexibility and Practical Aspects of the Tour

This private tour offers ultimate flexibility in timing and pacing. Since it is booked for just your group, you avoid the crowds and rigid schedules typical of larger tours. The pickup and drop-off are included from the Honolulu Zoo at 151 Kapahulu Ave, with the tour ending back at the starting point.

The 7-hour schedule includes all the main stops and allows for a leisurely exploration, though lunch is not included, so planning food breaks ahead is advised. The cancellation policy enables full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: An Exclusive Way to Experience Oahu’s Historic Sites

This private, deluxe tour stands out for its personalized approach, comprehensive itinerary, and exclusive access to key Honolulu landmarks. It is perfect for small groups or families who want to explore Pearl Harbor’s naval history and Hawaii’s cultural sites in a single day without the hassle of large bus tours.

While the tour offers ample historical and sightseeing value, it’s important to note lunch is not included, and the itinerary is quite full, so some may find the pace brisk. Nevertheless, the private transportation, knowledgeable guide, and carefully curated stops make this experience a worthwhile choice for those seeking a deeper, more personal connection to Hawaii’s past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s itinerary is family-friendly, but parents should consider the duration and physical demands of visiting historic ships and memorials.

What is included in the price?
The admission tickets for the Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri are included, along with private transfers and complimentary drinks at specific points.

Can I customize the stops?
Since this is a private tour, there is flexibility to discuss specific interests with the guide, but all stops listed are part of the standard itinerary.

How early should I book?
Most bookings are made about 63 days in advance; early planning helps secure availability, especially during busy seasons.

Is lunch provided?
No, lunch is not included. It is recommended to bring snacks or plan to eat during free time outside the scheduled stops.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund offered if canceled within this window.